Sir Rod Stewart opened this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time and Frankie Collins
22:52, 08 Nov 2025
Sir Rod Stewart launched this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London – but his spirited performance sparked mixed reactions amongst viewers.
The 79-year-old musical icon began the annual ceremony, attended by senior members of the Royal Family and military veterans, with an animated performance that split opinion amongst those watching from home.
Whilst the evening was intended to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen servicemen and women, some viewers suggested his energetic dance moves were “not exactly in the spirit of remembrance.”
One critical viewer commented on X (formerly Twitter): “Because Rod Stewart gyrating his hips is how we all want to pay tribute to the fallen.”
Another wrote: “Rod Stewart’s really going for it, but I’m not sure those hip gyrations are exactly in the spirit of remembrance,” and “Is this appropriate?” reports the Express.
However, numerous supporters rallied behind the legendary performer, highlighting his decades-long commitment to entertaining service personnel and championing military charities.
Rod Stewart’s appearance at the Festival of Remembrance sparked a strong reaction from viewers (Image: Getty)
One admirer wrote, “Sir Rod Stewart on BBC1 tonight made me so very proud and all our soldiers and airmen, and LADIES GOD BLESS YOU ALL THANKYOU YOUR ALL AMAZING THANKYOU.” (sic).
Another praised, “Sir Rod Stewart isn’t looking (or sounding) half bad for a man of 80! Good for him.”
Stewart has previously taken to the stage at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and maintains a longstanding involvement with charitable causes supporting the armed forces. Rod made a second appearance during the evening to deliver his classic track, Sailing.
The evening, presented at the Royal Albert Hall by Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, also showcased performances by Sam Ryder, Keala Settle, Blessing Offor, and The Wellermen, alongside powerful contributions from the Central Band of the RAF and Royal Marines Band Service.
This year’s Festival of Remembrance commemorated the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion and recognised the bravery of those who served – alongside the resilience of military families and the advancements made since the prohibition on LGBT service personnel was removed 25 years ago.
Fans were less than impressed with Rod’s hip gyrations (Image: bbc)
Viewers commended the entire event, expressing online: “The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is always so beautifully put together. An incredible tribute to those who serve & have served our country.”
Some acknowledged the sacrifices being remembered whilst criticising the condition of Britain’s borders. One observer commented: “In the year that our government admitted that they have lost control of our border, it makes the #festivalofremembrance more poignant than ever. Let us pray we don’t see the day when we admit they all died in vain.”
Many were left moved by the annual commemoration, with one viewer confessing: “10 minutes in and I’m already in tears.”
Another shared: “Imagine not seeing your baby until it was 9 months old. It’s incomprehensible. We owe these men and women so much.”
Hannah Waddingham received acclaim for her “simply superb” hosting and “stunning” vocal performance as she sang “We’ll Meet Again”.
